So…I was pondering over moving to ASCAP or BMI, coming from SIAE (Italy). Do you still find this mandatory in 2019 in order to pursue this career? Especially from the point of view of music supervisors working in big big libraries.

i’m not sure if PRO’s have strategies but u really get the sense that ASCAP has abandoned the production music composer in favor of the traditional artist. BMI seem to be way more media composer friendly from what i can see so far having been with both.

i’m not sure if PRO’s have strategies but u really get the sense that ASCAP has abandoned the production music composer in favor of the traditional artist.

Hi Danny, I don’t think there’s a conscious strategy or that ASCAP “abandoned” production music composers. The explanation that I’ve been given is that it goes back to the history of each organization. ASCAP was founded by composers and songwriters (Victor Herbert) and BMI was founded by the National Association of Broadcasters.

BMI is racing towards the unknown “artist” side of things. Courting songwriters, young artists, hip indie singer/songwriters, etc.. It’s incredibly obvious if you do your homework.

From my perspective of watching royalties, talking with other composers, publishers, and even speaking with the powers that be in LA, they could give a **** about media composers – unless you’re a top A level film composer.

I’m not sure where the best place to go is. The only real solution I see – and it’s highly unlikely – is a new stand along production music composer PRO. That would / could get some serious action going, but again, unlikely.

Buckle up. The US Department of Justice is set to review the ASCAP and BMI Consent Decrees. Depending on what they decide things could remain status quo or there could be major changes and disruption in the industry.